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2021 Leadership Symposium recap

Despite a pandemic, Texas public school leaders from across the state “gathered” together for three days of fellowship, presentations, breakout sessions, and the opportunity to engage in conversations with lawmakers and state officials.

This year has been filled with unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. And yet, Texas public school leaders have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The theme of the 13th annual Leadership Symposium, This is Where We Shine, honored educators for rising to meet the challenges of this moment with courage and compassion.


In the uncertainty, in the gap, in the not knowing. This is where we shine.

In the emptiness, the disconnection, the misunderstanding. This is where we shine.

In the fear, in the confusion, in the past, present, and future. This is where we shine.

An orange banner with white letters reads "Poetry Readings"
“Dark Nights” by Ron Loewe
Performed by Dr. Ting-Ling Sha, Principal, Martin Elementary School, Alief ISD
“Sharing Silence” by Gunilla Norris
Performed by Roneka Lee, Principal, Bondy Intermediate School, Pasadena ISD
“It Couldn’t Be Done” by Edgar Albert Guest
Performed by Zachary Kleypas, Principal, Park Crest Middle School, Pflugerville ISD

Alumni, did you miss this year’s Symposium? Or was there a session you missed? Watch all of the sessions here (some sessions were only available live). Use the same code you were sent to access the Symposium app or email reply@ryht.org with your first and last name to get it. 

Dr. Elizabeth City
Dr. Pamela Mason
Dr. Irvin Scott
Dr. Ronald Ferguson
Dr. Katherine Merseth
Students from Dance Elements perform “The Future” by Aloe Blacc